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THE VEGETATION OF ILHA DO MEL
The following units of vegetation were classified by the
system proposed by Veloso et al. (1991).
- Edaphic Systems of First Occupation or Pioneer Area Formations
- The marine influence: beaches, dunes, "ticket" bush after the beach, "scrub"
woody coastal plain forests, sandy or dry, or swamp forests and swamp vegetation
of rupícola coast;
- The influence of river floodplains: marshes and mangroves; included here are
areas of transition of these systems with zones of influence exclusively marine.
- The influence river: herbaceous marshes and \ or trees along small rivers and
wetlands, including "caxeta;
- Tropical Rain Forest Atlantic lowland or coastal plain;
- Submontane;
- anthropogenic secondary vegetation;
- Early, intermediate and advanced, are included here crop species on the island,
regardless of the purpose of cultivation.
- Areas of Influence Pioneer Formations with the Navy, with its different faces,
and the Tropical Atlantic Rain Forest , both the slopes and the coastal plain,
the units are more significant in terms of occupied area on the island.
- Pioneer Formations with Marine influence
They are under this name the plant communities that receive direct influence of
the ocean, occurring mainly in sandy soil of marine deposits, or on rocky
outcrops of the hills of the island. Are included in such communities occurring
on the beaches, dunes, and over most of the coastal plain of the island,
especially in sectors with well-defined ridges. In fact, the vegetation appears
to be quite heterogeneous, forming a sort of "mosaic" of different faces,
indicating in some cases the strong character of successional vegetation. These
vegetation types are commonly treated in the literature as "sandbank" or
"restinga vegetation.
The vegetation of dunes and beaches is best represented in the Lighthouse beach
(Praia do Farol), where there is the recent formation of a large sandbank, and
also the beaches of Outside (de Fora), Grande, Miguel, and the Encantadas at
Ponta do Bicho. The beaches and dunes have vegetation typical physiognomy and
composition, with species adapted to survival in an environment with many
adversities, such as mobility of the substrate, high salt content, rapid
drainage, deficiency in organic matter and heating of the surface layers of the
substrate by direct sunlight . Frequent species in these regions are Blutaparon
portulacoides (Amaranthaceae), Ipomoea stolonifera pescaprae and Ipomoea (Convolvulaceae),
Paspalum vaginatum, Sporobolus virginicus, Stenotaphrum secundatum and Spartina
ciliata (Poaceae), Hydrocotile bonariensis (Apiaceae) and Cyperus obtusatus, C.
polystachya and C. ligules (Cyperaceae).
In the older dunes, already heavily colonized by vegetation, are the usually
low-branched shrubs, and various species of bromeliads, orchids and ferns
and dense low shrubs. Among the shrubs stand out Dalbergia ecastophylla and
Sophora tomentosa (Fabaceae), Rapanea parvifolia (Myrsinaceae), Guapira opposita
(Nyctaginaceae), Psidium cattleianum sulcata and Eugenia (Myrtaceae), among
others. Among the bromeliad species are more frequent Dyckia encholirioides,
Aechmea nudicaulis, organensis Aechmea, Ananas and Bromelia bracteatus
antiacantha, and among orchids stand out Cyrtopodium polyphylum and Epidendrum
fulgens. Ferns are common in these areas Blechnum serrulatum (Blechnaceae) and
adiantiformis (Dryopteridaceae). In low bushes near the beach it is visible the
influence of wind on the shape of these bushes.
This strip of vegetation that occurs on beaches and foredunes has received
several names in literature, among which "vegetation praieira (FIGUEIREDO,
1954)," riparian psammophytes, holo-facies psammophytes "(Hertel, 1959),"
community halofila praieira (Rizzini, 1963), "training pioneer dunes" (Noffs &
BATISTA-Noffs, 1982, Barros et al., 1991), "vegetation from the beach" (Maack,
1981), among others.
After this initial range of herbaceous vegetation and shrubs, the vegetation
gets very characteristic face, with very branched shrubs, branches twisted,
forming very dense clusters of 2 to 5 meters high, and there may be the
development of epiphytic plants and herbaceous land, as well as many woody vines
(lianas). The name given to this vegetation type is diverse, and commonly used
the term "scrub" or scrub to designate it, indicating this is a shrubby
vegetation, interspersed by herbaceous species, especially bromeliads. This is
the most typical face of the portions closest to the sea from the coastal plain,
not only the island but also in much of the coast of Paraná, and is commonly
called "restinga" itself (Stellfeld, 1949, FIGUEIREDO, 1954), "forest
sclerophyllous coast (Rizzini, 1963), "straight-facies psammophytes the
sub-training or psammophytes capeva" (Hertel, 1959), "or nhundu jundu (LOEFGREN,
1896; ROMARIZ, 1972; Maack, 1981).
Among the shrub species occurring in this vegetation physiognomy stand out as
belonging to the families Myrtaceae, Myrsinaceae, Aquifoliaceae, Clusiaceae,
Anacardiaceae, Lauraceae, Erythroxylaceae and Nyctaginaceae.
Among the terrestrial herbaceous species occurring in the shade of shrubs or in
open places there are the same species of pteridophytes in the dunes.
Typically, after this band of shrub occurring closed areas also face low scrub,
interspersed with open spaces, which species belong to families previously
mentioned.
The tendency of vegetation type, the extent to which departs from the sea is
becoming more developed, both structurally and floristically, until you reach
the point where it acquires an appearance of low forest, with three strata more
or less defined, a tree, up to 10m in height, another one of shrubs and
herbaceous, commonly referred to in literature as "sandy forest", "dry" or "of
the bar, which appears frequently interspersed with other forest type, more
developed, which trees upper strata are larger (up to 20m high), there was also
a second tier predominant tree height between 6-10m, a shrub and an herbaceous,
the latter can be more or less developed, depending on local conditions. This
vegetation type receives various names, the most common "swamp forest" or "wet"
(Hertel, 1959; Rizzini, 1963, ARAUJO & Henriques, 1984, WAECHTER, 1985,
Henriques et al., 1986).
These two classes of training appear merged on the coastal plain of Ilha do Mel,
indicating the deposition of the succession of ridges that gave rise to them.
Sandy forest occurs in the upper part of the strings while the sandy forest
occupies the depressions between the ridges.
The most representative species of forest are sandy Tapirira guianensis, Ocotea
pulchella, Guapira opposita, Ternstroemia brasiliensis, Myrcia multiflora,
Clusia criuva, Ilex theezans and I. pseudobuxus, Erythroxylum amplifolium and
Psidium cattleianum. In swamp forest stand out Calophyllum brasiliense, Tabebuia
cassinoides, Pouteria beaurepairei, and several species of Myrtaceae, such as
Myrcia racemosa, Myrcia grandiflora, Myrcia insularis, Marlierea tomentosa and
M.reitzii.
A remarkable fact is the occurrence of a shrub and herbaceous another well
developed, and the presence of epiphytes and lianas in both types of vegetation.
Tree species low and \ or shrub as Rudgea villiflora, Faramea marginata,
Alibertia concolor and Geonoma schottiana are frequent in the understory of
these forests.
Among the herbaceous species there are the ferns, especially biserrata
Nephrolepis, Nephrolepis rivularis, Pecluma paradisiae, Blechnum serrulatum and
adiantiformis, and larmenoire, sedges, grasses and bromeliads.
Among the epiphytes, there are the families Bromeliaceae, Orchidaceae, Araceae,
Cactaceae and Gesneriaceae between the Fens, and among the ferns Polypodiaceae.
Even within the areas of pioneer formations with marine influence must be
mentioned the vegetation that occurs on the rocky hills of the south-eastern
part of the island. This covers a very characteristic cracks of rocks and
plateaus, usually where the conditions foster the occurrence of larger amount of
organic matter and moisture. The most frequent species and print a physiognomic
aspect most characteristic of these sites are Caraguatás (Dyckia encholirioides
and Aechmea organensis), the orchid Epidendrum fulgens adiantiformis the fern,
and several species of grasses and sedges. Some shrubs can be frequent in these
places, notably capororoquinha (Rapanea parvifolia), the maria-mole (Guapira
opposita), the bean-the-sea (Sophora tomentosa), the ear-of-oz (Tibouchina
clavata) and straw - de-pito (Senna bicapsularis). The vegetation that occurs on
the rocky is called in the literature of "pioneer vegetation Lithophyte" (WAECHTER,
1985), "sub-formations and Lithophyte chasmophytic" (Hertel, 1959), "community
Lithophyte (FIGUEIREDO, 1954; Rizzini, 1963) or simply "rocky coastline (RAWITSCHER,
1944; Stellfeld, 1949; JOLY, 1970; FERRI, 1980).
Pioneer Formations with River Influence
This designation includes the plant communities occurring in areas that reflect
processes of "flood" of rivers during rainy season, like most rivers in the
coastal plain of the island, or living in flooded depressions for at least a
period of years, at intervals and duration.
Ilha do Mel, this vegetation type is represented by herbaceous wetlands located
in the depressions between the ridges, with most species of sedges and grasses,
many of which are undetermined so far, apart from (Typha dominguensis), widely
distributed species in Brazil, always occurring in swampy areas. The lily of the
marsh (Hedychium coronarium), a species originating in Africa, occurs frequently
in these areas, especially those closest to disturbed sites. Wetlands are also
represented with woody vegetation, with individuals up to 10 meters high, where
Rapanea intermedia was the dominant species and the "caxeta" higrófilos
environments with a predominance of caxeta (Tabebuia cassinoides), characterized
by occurrence, this species associated with several others, many of which
occurring in other plant communities of the island. The literature deals with
herbaceous marshes under different names such as "wet meadow" (FIGUEIREDO,
1954), "coastal swamp" (Maack, 1981), "community of restinga hydrophilic (Rizzini,
1963) and" herbaceous swamp "(ARAUJO & Henriques, 1984).
Pioneer Formations Influence with river floodplains
This category includes mangroves and freshwater areas, also called "salt marshes,
which in Ilha do Mel occupy an unrepresentative, especially when compared to
areas located in the inner parts of the Bay of Paranaguá. The largest expanses
of mangroves and marshes are found in the north-west, especially in the mouths
of small rivers of the coastal plain, and also between the Nova Brasilia and
Michael Hill, the bag Limoeiro.
As most of the mangroves of southern and southeastern Brazil, occurring on the
island only three tree species, which rarely exceed 10 meters in height, and
distributional pattern is variable, depending on local conditions, they are the
red mangrove (Rhizophora mangle ), the white mangrove (Laguncularia racemosa)
and siriuba (Laguncularia). The areas of most developed marshes can be seen near
the Nova Brasilia, in the "inside sea", being characterized by almost continuous
coverage of a popularly called grasses praturá (Spartina alterniflora), together
with young individuals of tree species characteristics. Normally this track
before the areas with woody vegetation and are often interpreted as an early
stage in the formation of mangroves (FIGUEIREDO, 1954).
In areas of transition between the mangroves and other vegetation types, mainly
belonging to the category of pioneer formations with marine influence, there are
species typical of these sites, especially the Uvira (Hibiscus tiliaceus),
olive-the-sea (Ximenia americana), the cork Antwren (speciosa), the
quince-the-beach (Dalbergia ecastophylla), and Acrostichum fern danaefolium and
Blechnum brasiliense.
Atlantic Tropical Rain Forest
Following the classification system of vegetation proposed by Veloso et al.
(1991), the region of dense rain forest is subdivided according to the altitude
of its location of occurrence. Ilha do Mel are represented only the dense rain
forest in the Lowlands, which occurs in the innermost portions on the coastal
plain, and the Tropical Rain Forest Forest, occurring in the hills of the Middle,
and the Miguel Bento Alves, mainly.
The Tropical Rain Forest Lowland occurs more significantly in the plains of the
northern part of the island, where the alignment of ridges is not as visible,
and represents the maximum development of the vegetation of the coastal plain of
Ilha do Mel, corresponding to local oldest of in terms of training.
The tallest trees reach between 20-25m high, forming a canopy more or less
continuous, which stand out caxeta (Tabebuia cassinoides), the cupiúva (Tapirira
guianensis), Calophyllum (Calophyllum brasiliense), the soft-de - monkey (Pouteria
beaurepairei), the Inga-Mirim (Inga luschnatiana), the tapia (Alchornea
triplinervia), Racha-light (Pera glabrata), the buttress (Sloanea guianensis),
Miguel-painted (Matayba guianensis), cinnamon - garuva (Nectandra oppositifolia
subsp mollis), cinnamon, pepper (Ocotea pulchella), cinnamon-yellow (Ocotea
aciphylla), the mandiocaa (Dydimopanax angustissimum), the cajarana (Cabralea
canjerana), the ipê Antwren (Tabebuia umbellata) , and several species of
Myrtaceae (Myrcia glabra, Myrcia rostrata, Calyptranthes lucida, Gomidesia
schaueriana, among others). In the lower stratum, with predominant heights
between 6-10m predominate rubiacea (Faramea marginata and Posoqueria latifolia),
Myrtaceae (Marlierea eugeniopsoides and Marlierea tomentosa) and arecáceas
(Euterpe edulis and Geonoma schottiana). In the shrub-herbaceous species are
common larmenoire, mainly barbiflora and Psychotria Psychotria leiocarpa, but
the most characteristic feature Nidularium innocentii, a terrestrial bromeliad
forming extensive groups, reaching sometimes occupy large areas. Besides these
common are also several species of ferns, especially the families and
Dryopteridaceae Thelypteridaceae. The epiphytes and woody vines are also quite
common in this vegetation type, belonging mainly to the Bromeliaceae family (Vriesea,
Aechmea, Tillandsia and Catopsis), Orchidaceae (Anacheilium, Encyclia, Stelis,
Trigonidium and Epidendrum) and Polypodiaceae (Polypodium, Microgramma,
Campyloneuron) and Dilleniaceae (Davilla rugosa and Doliocarpus schottianus)
Smilacaceae (Smilax elastica and Smilax longifolia) and Asteraceae (Mikania),
respectively.
In the hills of south-eastern part of the island, especially on the, and the
Miguel Bento Alves, rocks formed by ancient Brazilian crystalline complex, occur
to a greater or lesser extent, the dense rain forest and lower montane areas of
secondary vegetation at different stages development. The fact that the hill
areas having soils with physico-chemical proper agricultural practices has led
to greater demand in the past for these areas to the planting of small fields
(cassava, sugar cane, bananas, beans, citrus) and therefore provided a greater
occurrence of sites dominated by secondary vegetation. Another noticeable
disturbance in these areas is the selective extraction of timber and palm heart
(Euterpe edulis). Often it is difficult to distinguish between the more
developed secondary forests and primary forests, more or less disturbed by
selective extraction of species.
The tallest trees reach between 20-25m high, with epiphytism sharp, especially
in more developed individuals, and abundance of woody vines (lianas). Among the
trees stand out estopeira (Cariniana estrellensis), the guatambu (Aspidosperma
olivaceum), the licurana (Hyeronima alchorneoides), the maçaranduba (Manilkara
subsericea), the bocuva (Virola oleifera), cedar (Cedrela odorata cf), the
ipe-da-serra (Tabebuia cf VelosoI), the embirussu (Pseudobombax grandiflorum),
fig trees (Ficus glabra, Ficus insipid), and several species of Myrtaceae.
The lower tree layer, with the predominant height of 6-10m, consists
predominantly of Myrtaceae and rubiacea, the first among the most frequent are
Psychotria nuda and Rudgea jasminoides. Addition to these are common bacopari (Rheedia
Gardnerian), pau-de-agouti (Esenbeckia grandiflora), the Chincho (Sorocea
bonplandii), and fish poison (Dahlstedtia pentaphylla). Trees of the genera
Bactris and Geonoma occur in some places, especially more moist and shady.
Among the fern trees (Cyatheaceae) stand out Trichipteris corocovadensis,
Trichipteris atrovirens and Trichipteris leucolepis, the latter only found so
far in humid the edge of the small rivers existing in the hills.
In the herbaceous layer, discontinuous, are several common species of ferns,
acantáceas, larmenoire, Araceae and Piperaceae, as well as grasses and sedges
characteristic of humid and shaded. Boulders are often found in rocky forest,
species typically occupied by grasslands, or other species from herbaceous, with
main emphasis on several species of ferns, and bromeliads and aroids.
The epiphytes are mainly represented by bromeliads, orchids, aroids and cactus,
while the vines frequently belong to families Dioscoreaceae, Smilacaceae,
Fabaceae, Apocynaceae, Asteraceae and Dilleniaceae.
Influence of Secondary Vegetation Anthropogenic
Areas of secondary vegetation are those where there was some human intervention
to land use, regardless of its purpose, the island that was mainly used for
agricultural practices. These areas, when abandoned respond differentially,
depending on the time of abandonment and use category, reflecting, however, the
ecological parameters of the environment. The sequence of events that occurs in
an area that had its natural vegetation removed and was later abandoned is
called the "plant succession", and this process can be recognized different
stages of face time and relatively short variable, depending on local conditions
.
Are usually recognized the early stages, intermediate and advanced, called
respectively "capoeirinha", "capoeira", and "capoeirão.
A "capoeirinha" characterized by a dense herbaceous cover, with most species of
grasses (Imperata brasiliensis, Erianthus trinii, Melinis minutiflora and
Cortaderia selloana) and Asteraceae (Vernonia beyrichii, Vernonia flexuosa,
Vernonia scorpioides, Eupatorium, and Solidago chilensis inulaefolium, among
others), especially, may still be some species of pteridophytes, especially
Pteridium aquilinum and Blechnum serrulatum. The highest expression of this type
of secondary vegetation can be seen in the hills of the Lighthouse of Jehoiachin
the Caraguatá, the enchanted and the tip of Nha Pina, called by Figueiredo
(1954) of "field of the hills."
In the "poultry", besides the previously mentioned species, shrub species occur
commonly called the "broom", belonging to the family Asteraceae (Baccharis),
also known by this name Sapindaceae Dodonaea viscosa. Due to the predominance of
these species under certain conditions, this phase is often called "vassoural.
This stage can be found several young individuals of tree species typical of
later stages of plant succession.
The capoeirão represents an advanced stage of plant succession, where there is a
predominance of pioneer tree species, with a considerable reduction of coverage
by herbaceous species. Are frequent at this stage several species of
Melastomataceae, commonly called jacatirão and \ or quaresmeira, among which
stand out Tibouchina sellowiana, Tibouchina pulchra, miconia, cabucu and Miconia
Miconia dodecandra. Besides these species, are also frequent jacataúva (Citharexylum
myrianthum) and trumpet trees (Cecropia Cecropia glaziovii and pachystachya).
The tendency of secondary vegetation over time to rebuild the original
vegetation that existed before the disturbance, and the more advanced stages,
often called "forest", hardly distinguishable from the standpoint of the primary
vegetation physiognomy.
THE VEGETATION OF THE ECOLOGICAL STATION OF ILHA DO MEL
The EEIM (Ecological Station of Ilha do Mel) includes areas with different types
of vegetation, as evidenced by documentational aerial photography, as observed
by different vegetation types in the field. Types range from predominantly
herbaceous plants and shrubs through clusters, dense or open forests to well
developed, with two tree layers, a shrub and an herbaceous. These vegetation
types are fairly representative of much of the coast of Paraná, notably portions
of geologically recent coastal plain, not only shares the island but also on the
mainland.
The descriptions presented herein are based on more than 10 years of studies on
both aspects of floristic, phytosociological and vegetation of Ilha do Mel,
whose partial results can be found at BIDA et al. (1986), BRITEZ et al. (1989),
Silva et al. (1989), SILVA (1990), Silva et al. (1994) and Silva et al. (unpublished
data).
The vegetation of the beaches and foredunes is well represented in the area of
EEIM near the tip of the Bug, and also in some parts of the Cedar Beach and
Lemon tree, called the Sea Inside. Usually this type is associated with deposits
praiia relatively recent, not occurring in places that have suffered sea erosion.
Erosive and depositional processes in coastal Paraná are common, and are related
to the stability of the coastline, as described by PARANHOS F ° et al. (1994),
and the vegetation plays an important role in the process, assisting in the
stabilization of the substrate.
The species occurring in these regions have morphological and physiological
characteristics, which show great capacity of adaptation to extreme
environmental conditions, such as mobility of the substrate, high salinity,
abrasion caused by wind transport of sediments, deficiency of organic matter and
high temperatures and incidence solar, among others. Among them species with
long creeping stems that detach from the substrate by action of the highest
tides in episodic, making the fix is in normal, still acting as organs of
vegetative propagation. The succulence of the leaves in some species is also
evident, and can relate to the storage of water and / or salts. The habit of
some caespitose grasses and sedges are also common, much favoring the
stabilization of the substrate. Many species show peculiar behavior
photosynthetic (C4 and CAM), and offer an efficient system of control
Transpiration and specialized structures to eliminate excess salt absorbed from
the substrate.
The prevalence in recent Paias and dunes is herbaceous, stoloniferous,
rhizomatous and / or caespitose, forming a discontinuous coverage, which rarely
exceeds 50 cm high, among which stand out Spartina ciliata, sp Panicum,
Sporobolus virginicus and Stenotaphrum secundatum (POACEAE), Ipomoea pescaprae
and I. littoralis (Convolvulaceae), Hydrocotile bonariensis and Apium prostatum
(APIACEAE) Blutaparon portulacoides (Amaranthaceae), Cyperus obtusatus, C.
polystachya and C. ligularis (CYPERACEAE), Vigna luteola (FABACEAE), Dick
encholirioides (BROMELIACEAE), Epidendrum fulgens and Cyrtopodium polyphyllum (Orchidaceae),
and several species of Asteraceae, minor sociological and physiognomic.
In locations away from the current line of beach, the vegetation is already
developed and stabilized, the highlights are low shrubs, with greater coverage,
and heights ranging from 50cm to 2m, where the quince-trees (Dalbergia
ecastophylla - FABACEAE ) is the most characteristic feature. is relatively
common to find in individuals of this species herbaceous species of the
shoreline, already quoted, and young individuals of woody species such as
Calophyllum brasiliense (Clusiaceae), Annona glabra (Annonaceae), Laguncularia
racemosa (Combretaceae), Rhizophora mangle (Rhizophoraceae) and Hibiscus
tiliaceus (Malvaceae). Other species of a shrub that often occur at these sites
are Tibouchina clavata (MELASTOMATACEAE) verbenacea (BORAGINACEAE) casaretoi
Eupatorium (Asteraceae) and Sophora tomentosa (FABACEAE), and other
characteristics of woody faces more developed coastal plain, described later.
After this zone of variable width, which includes the top of the beach (upper
shore area) and small dunes stabilized, there is a closed shrub vegetation type,
with an average height of 3m, ranging from 2 to 5m, where the density of
individuals and the area baseline are quite high (ca. 4900 indiv. / ha and
35m2/ha, respectively), but the diversity is low (H '= 2.83). As most
characteristic species of this area can be cited Guapira opposita (Nyctaginaceae),
Tapirira guianensis and Schinus terebinthifolius (Anacardiaceae), Ocotea
pulchella (Lauraceae), Ternstroemia brasiliensis (THEACEAE), Pera glabrata (Euphorbiaceae),
Maytenus robusta (Celastraceae), Rapanea venosa and R. parvifolia (Myrsinaceae),
theezans Ilex (Aquifoliaceae), Eugenia and umbelliflora cattleianum Psidium (Myrtaceae).
Under the dense canopy and closed the individuals of these species develops a
herbaceous discontinuous, characterized by clusters located in some species,
such as Aechmea ornata, A. pectinata, A. nudicaulis, Ananas and Bromelia
bracteatus antiacantha (BROMELIACEAE), and other expressive with toppings such
as ferns adiantiformis (DRYOPTERIDACEAE) Pecluma paradisiae (Polypodiaceae) and
Blechnum serrulatum (BLECHNACEAE), and species of Poaceae, larmenoire, aroids
and Piperaceae, with lowest sociological.
The epiphytic communities is greatly enhanced, where about 90% of individuals
with circumference at breast height greater than or equal to 30cm have epiphytes,
especially Microgramma vaccinifolia (Polypodiaceae), Codonanthe gracilis (GESNERIACEAE),
A. nudicaulis, and Vriesea rodigasiana V.procera (BROMELIACEAE) and Epidendrum
ramosum, E. latilabris and Vanilla chamissonis (ORCHIDACEAE). Lianas (woody
vines) are also common, especially species of the families Smilacaceae,
Asteraceae, Sapindaceae and Dilleniaceae.
Another very characteristic vegetation of EEIM consists of shrubs and small
trees with heights up to 5m, often forming groups like "clumps" of varying shape
and size, interspersed with open areas, often with an almost continuous cover of
mosses and lichens . The density of woody plants is about 3,200 indiv. / ha,
while the basal area is 15m2/ha, lower values than those observed for the
vegetation type described above, as well as the diversity index (H '), which in
these areas is around 2.31. A physiognomic feature that a lot of attention in
these communities is large number of individuals branched from the base, forming
very large hearts and low. is important to note that often the definition of "scrub"
is unclear, as is the development of these form a community with an upper tier
of + / - continuous height usually between 3-5m. Among the elements of tree
species characteristic of this face stand out G. opposita, P.cattleianum, T.
brasiliensis, O. pulchella, T. guianensis and I. theezans, previously mentioned,
as well as Erythroxylum amplifolium (Erythroxylaceae), Abarema lusoria (Mimosaceae),
Myrcia multiflora (MYRTACEAE) and Andira fraxinifolia (FABACEAE). A species that
stands out in these communities, taking place in a very significant especially
in the bush edges and / or places open to the shrine (Gaylussacia brasiliensis -
ERICACEAE), a small shrub up to 1.5m high, which is often as high groups form
almost homogeneous. Among the most common herbaceous species that are conducted
under the shrub and also in open areas, particularly B. serrulatum and R.
adiantiformis, and vegetables and grasses, among others. A very common species
in these sites, the climbing habit but in the open often develops prostrate on
the ground is Smilax campestris (SMILACACEAE), also occurring in other
vegetation types most developed structurally. The epiphytic communities is very
expressive, basically the same species already listed above.
In the areas of EEIM where the succession of ridges that led much of the coastal
plain is plain, there is an alternation of two types of forest very
characteristic, commonly known as "dune forest" and "swamp forest", which occupy
the upper parts and low cords, respectively.
An area of the island that has these types of vegetation was studied by Silva et
al. (1993), which outlines the species found and their main phytosociological
parameters in each of the situations described.
The species of greatest importance in the survey is the Calophyllum (Calophyllum
brasiliense), showing the highest values of frequency and dominance, especially
in the flooded forest. In this species, there is still this vegetation caxeta (Tabebuia
cassinoides), Berry overalls (Pouteria beaurepairei) and several species of
Myrtaceae, known popularly guamirins and / or Cambui, especially Myrcia
acuminatissima, Myrcia grandiflora, Myrcia insularis and Marlierea tomentosa.
Some areas of swamp forest of the island, especially those accompanying small
waters, are similar floristically and structurally the "caxeta" more developed
studied by ZILLER (1992) on the coast of Paraná. As we move away from the
flooded area, there is an increase in the importance values of species such as
cinnamon, pepper (Ocotea pulchella), the mangrove ant (Clusia criuva), the
Caunes-the-sea (Ilex pseudobuxus), the manjuruvoca (Ternstroemia brasiliensis),
the fruit-of-dove (Erythroxylum amplifolium), the guava (Psidium cattleianum),
the Cambuí (Myrcia multiflora) and maria-mole (Guapira opposita). These species
often occur in other parts of the Ilha do Mel, as members of other plant
communities and may even excel also in these situations.
In the transitional areas between the wetland and floodplain not stand out as
the species murici-the-beach (Byrsonima ligustrifolia) and fern-of-thorn (Trichipteris
atrovirens), the latter very important structural and physiognomic.
The region free of floods (dune forest) can be characterized by smaller
individuals, more crowded, many of these branched from the base.
A remarkable fact is the occurrence of a shrub and herbaceous another well
developed, and the presence of epiphytes and lianas in both types of vegetation.
Tree species low and \ or shrub as Rudgea villiflora, Faramea marginata,
Alibertia concolor and Geonoma schottiana are frequent in the understory of
these forests.
Among the herbaceous species there are the ferns, especially biserrata
Nephrolepis, Nephrolepis rivularis, Pecluma paradisiae, Blechnum serrulatum and
adiantiformis, and larmenoire, sedges, grasses and bromeliads.
Among the epiphytes, there are the families Bromeliaceae, Orchidaceae, Araceae,
Cactaceae and Gesneriaceae between the Fens, and among the ferns Polypodiaceae.
These two forest types characteristic of much of the coastal plain of the island,
seem to be determined primarily by differences in drainage conditions of the
land. Despite being fairly typical, have some common ground, as the abundance
and similarity of epiphytic flora, frequency and density of species of Myrtaceae,
and simultaneous occurrence of some species, as described by Waechter (1985,
1990) for the state of Rio Grande do Sul
The distinction between these types of vegetation, especially the swamp forests,
and dense rain forest in the Lowlands is not clear, with a gradual transition
both floristic and structural.
. The greater or lesser diversity of "caxeta" is mainly related to the
successional stage on which are, in the early stages, the caxeta is small and
appears associated with herbaceous species and shrubs, while in more advanced
stages is associated with tree species, especially the Calophyllum (Calophyllum
brasiliense), with many dominated by them. On the Island, caxeta in early stages
of development can be found on the plains of Praia Grande and near the West
Point, while the more advanced are easily found on the plains of the north,
especially along the small rivers that cross the region, such as rivers Cassual
and Hospital.
The caxeta the coast of Paraná have attracted much attention of many researchers,
because the wood of this species has interesting properties for certain types of
use, and represents an important natural resource to be managed and used
sustainably by the local population. A floristic and phytosociological study of
some areas of our coastline caxeta was performed by ZILLER (1992).
A "dune forest" has an average height between 7-9m, with a density of tree
species between 2500-2800 indiv. / ha, basal area of about 24 m2/ha and
diversity index (H ') around 2.52. Occurs preferentially in the heights of the
ridges, with soils drain faster and deeper groundwater. How dominant species
stand out O. pulchella, T. brasiliensis, E. amplifolium, P. cattleianum, M.
multiflora, G. opposita, previously mentioned, in addition to Clusia parviflora
(CLUSIACEAE) pseudobuxus and Ilex (Aquifoliaceae).
The "swamp forest" has preferential occurrence in depressions between the ridges,
which often touches the water table, or running small rivers of black water (tidal
creeks), always related to soil strongly influenced by hydromorphic conditions.
Dominant tree layer has a height between 10-15m, density of about 1500-1700
indiv. / ha, basal area than 30m2/ha and diversity (H ') of 3.24. The dominant
tree species are mainly Calophyllum brasiliense (Clusiaceae), T. guianensis,
Pouteria beaurepairei (SAPOTACEAE), intermedia Rapanea (Myrsinaceae), Tabebuia
cassinoides (BIGNONIACEAE), while the lower stratum and the understory is
composed mainly of Myrtaceae, among which stand out Myrcia grandiflora, M.
racemosa M.insularis, Marlierea tomentosa and M. reitzii. The understory still
stand out species of Rubiaceae and Arecaceae, many of which are cited for the "sandy
forest.
In the herbaceous, often discontinuous stands Becquerel cymosa (CYPERACEAE), and
other species of minor sociological expression of belonging to the families
Rubiaceae, Solanaceae, and bromeliads, with emphasis on the latter to Nidularium
innocentii, which in places form groups for long.
The presence of lianas and epiphytes is also remarkable in these forests,
especially species of the families previously mentioned in other vegetation
types described in the coastal plain of Ilha do Mel.
In the inner EEIM, where the alternation of ridges is not so defined, is a
well-developed forest, with individual trees up to 25m high, where C.
brasiliense and T. cassinoides are the dominant elements, associated with P.
beaurepairei and several species of Myrtaceae, and many of the latter elements
are also the forest understory. In these forests can still be found some
individuals of palm (Euterpe edulis - ARECACEAE), probably well below the
density that have occurred on the island, according to the logging that has been
submitted in the past. In terms of composition of the different forest strata,
and also the herbaceous and the communities of lianas and epiphytes, this
vegetation type closely resembles the "swamp forests", as described above.
Near the mouths of small rivers that cut the EEIM, there are very extensive
areas of mangroves, more developed in their respective portions of the
north-west. Predominate in these local woody species common throughout the
mangroves of Paraná, as Laguncularia racemosa (Combretaceae), Rhizophora mangle
(Rhizophoraceae) and Laguncularia (VERBENACEAE), and one species of grasses (Spartina
alterniflora), which usually occurs in parts almost permanently submerged in
this forest type.
Associated with mangroves, there are transitional areas for training of woody
coastal plain, which can both be represented by woody species of woody habit, as
Hibiscus tiliaceus (Malvaceae), Annona glabra (Annonaceae), Erythrina speciosa
and Dalbergia ecastophylla (FABACEAE), and Ximenia americana (OLACACEAE), and
other herbaceous habit, especially the family Cyperaceae, which in some places
to form dense aggregations and relative length, commonly called the "herbaceous
swamps. These are important refuges and feeding sites of the capybara, which in
EEIM can still often be found. A pteridophyte species very common in these areas
is danaefolium Acrostichum (Pteridaceae), with leaves that reach more than 1.5m
in length, standing out amid the thin leaves of sedges dominant on these sites.
Regarding the environmental aspects that favor the development of these
different vegetation types, notably those related to soil characteristics and
the marine influence.
The sandy soil is influenced by the height of the water table, which, as the
distance from the surface, provide greater availability of nutrients and water
the plants, or even excessive, giving rise to several different vegetation types
with their respective levels of development. Allied to this, also influence the
successional stages of training, especially in the areas most Recently re-formed.
As the availability of water closer to the ideal for the development of plants
in this system, the vegetation will have a higher or lower productivity in its
cycle of nutrients, as a consequence of the forests have developed over a cycle
with a higher production of organic matter, increasing biological activity in
soil and decaying function of providing greater availability of nutrients to
plants.
BRITEZ (1994) and BRITEZ et al (1994) studied aspects of nutrient cycling in two
forests EEIM, sampling configurations representative of this area. These occur
close to each other, and were called "low restinga" and "high restinga",
corresponding to configurations with the upper stratum with heights ranging from
8-15 meters and 15-25 meters, respectively. While the first occurs in the higher
parts of ridges in a drier, the second will appear in the depressions where
there is often the upwelling of groundwater.
The soils in these areas have low CEC with few sites for retention of ions, high
potential for leaching, causing the organic matter is primarily responsible for
the retention of ions in the soil. Although soil fertility is considered a very
low vegetation is well developed.
The soils of the two areas studied are similar to the level of fertility. The
values of saturation and total exchangeable bases are very similar, also taking
place, the presence of two distinct compartments of nutrients, one on the
horizon and one in the A1 horizon iluvial B, differing in nutrient availability
of the B horizon iluvial, higher in the high restinga .
The mechanisms for the conservation of nutrients in ecosystems with soil
oligotrophic (nutrient-poor) were also detected in the vegetation of restinga da
Ilha do Mel. These mechanisms are: a network of roots penetrating the surface
litter, recovered quickly nutrients from fallen leaves and rain before leaching
occurs and the presence of mycorrhiza helping the absorption of nutrients,
biological activity, deciduous nature, ability to translocate nutrients before
leaf abscission; accumulation of nutrients in biomass, and high efficiency in
nutrient use by vegetation.
In addition to these mechanisms, the vegetation of the bar has an intake of
nutrients from the ocean, where by rainwater and deposited in the treetops by
salt spray (sea), are readily incorporated into the system, in this case
represented by 40 % of nutrients reaching the forest floor.
The process of nutrient cycling is similar in both areas, as evidenced by the
behavior very close with regard to the seasonality of litterfall, indicating a
similar reaction at these two sites before the weather. Similarly the levels of
nutrients Similar values in all compartments studied.
The difference between the areas is related to higher productivity of the bar
high, as reflected in a higher deposition of litter and therefore the amount of
nutrients, higher accumulation of nutrients in the soil through organic matter
and higher accumulation of nutrients in biomass Mineralmass and vegetable.
Due to the recent formation of the coastal plain of the study area in the Ilha
do Mel (less than 5000 years), both the salt marshes and low discharge, must
have formed simultaneously, only that a different successional process, where
the high restinga developed more rapidly due to increased soil moisture.
Therefore, among the factors that determine the productivity of the ecosystem (energy,
water and nutrients), water influenced significantly higher productivity in the
high restinga.
The proximity of the groundwater surface, will provide greater availability of
water and nutrients in the high restinga restinga in contrast to low and often
influenced by water stress between the periods of occurrence of precipitation.
These aspects highlight the fragility of this ecosystem, in case of withdrawal
of its cover, would remain only a sandy soil, very barren, with little chance
there is any productive activity.
ISSUES RELATED TO INTERACTION FLORA / FAUNA
In natural ecosystems interaction flora and fauna has several aspects. The
vegetation is the main source of food for wildlife. In EEIM more than 60% of
species present zoochory, or fruit dispersal by animals, thus they serve food at
the same time is seed dispersal. There are countless examples of fruits consumed
by birds such as Tapirira guianensis Myrcia multiflora, Clusia criuva, Ilex spp,
Erythroxylum amplifolium, Schinus terebinthifolius and Psidium guava stands out
the fruits of Calophyllum brasiliense which provide food for the parrot browed.
Another aspect relates to insect interactions / plant, in which the primary
benefits from feeding on the sap of leaves, nectar and pollen, and the second
benefits from pollination, decomposition of litter and absorbing nutrients. In
turn these insects serve as food for various animals.
The vegetation in addition to food supply as the primary producer, supporting
the entire food chain is a haven for all wildlife, and the role EEIM such as
refuge and shelter browed Amazon parrot.
Interaction flora / fauna, were very intricate and interact beyond the
biological aspects of climatic and environmental agents. These mostly are very
little known, but it is known that anthropogenic changes completely alter these
relationships, compromising the survival of a variety of species. In this sense,
the existence of protected areas are very important for the maintenance of these
interactions.
STUDY PERFORMED BY:
Ricardo Miranda de Britez
Biologist, Dr., MSc., Doctor of Forestry / SCA / UFPR,
Email: rmbritez@netpar.com.br
Sandro Menezes Silva
Biologist, Dr., Department of Botany / SCB / UFPR,
Email:
menezes@garoupa.bio.ufpr.br
Translated by Charles A. Principe.
All Rights Reserved © 2009 BRITEZ-SILVA
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